Carlos Hazday

Thanks, bud. And thanks for reading!

@Bill Christiansen Thanks, Bill. The current installment will run 7 chapters. They are written and edited. The subsequent two will also be 7 chapters each and are written but editing is on hold for this month. The fourth section of Georgetown is in the process of being written. It covers the last two years of college for CJ and there's a lot I need to cover so I'm unsure how long it'll be. I do have 3 more books outlined and as long as there's a good response, I'll continue writing.

Hopefully better than I did. I've grown more intolerant in some areas as I've grown older

Thank you! You're correct in saying this will be an important chapter in CJ's life. The kid's a sponge, he observes and learns and the election of 2016 will be pivotal as he ages. He may bemoan some loss of privacy but will overcome his jitters in time.

LOL I hear Fran Poulter dressed as a scarecrow for Halloween. Oh, wait. That wasn't a disguise. All through the election I jotted down notes about things I wanted to include in the story. The "funny sounding, dark-skinned people is real. It turned my stomach when I heard it and instead of just getting upset, I decided to make fun of it. Glad you liked the chapter even if our boy's a leftie!

@Sweetlion Thank you! It's good to be back. You're correct, certain values/beliefs will always rule the day for CJ and most of us. However, without compromise, any government will grind to a halt. Just look at the US. If Tip O'Neill and Ronal Reagan or Ted Kennedy and John McCain could find common ground (I realize those names may not mean much to non-political junkies) why can't we in 2017? Sometimes, we need to accept something which may not resonate with us in order to achieve our goals. I think that's the lesson CJ needs to learn and then decide where he's willing to give ground in order to achieve something greater.

Thanks, Dugh! I wanted a short recap of what transpired at the end of Walls but tried to intersperse enough new content to move the story forward. Roar will be heavy on politics, it concludes on Election day, but I promise there will be plenty of other stuff to show CJ and the gang leading regular lives in spite of the kid being in the spotlight.

Readers may not recall CJ had a litmus test for politicians: they either supported equality for gay people or he wouldn't support them. At this point in the story, that's still valid and I think it works with a 16yo. Kids that age may see things in black and white while missing nuances and shades of gray. Let's see if he changes as he ages.

Politics were always meant to play an integral role in the story. It's one of the reasons I chose Washington as the main locale. It began in the first book when CJ interned in Senator Rubio's office. And just like CJ's views and attitudes have evolved in other areas, they will do the same in the political arena.

Thanks, Chris. It's great to have readers back for this installment, I've missed the 'family' while on hiatus.

LMAO! Why am I not surprised you caught that? Not everyone will. This was a tough chapter to write because of the Pulse murders. I wrote those sections first and then filled in around them. I tried to lighten the tone a bit and also tries to ensure there was more than politics involved. Hopefully, it works.

In our age, there is no such thing as keeping out of politics. All issues are political issues… George Orwell Following his meeting with Hillary Clinton in late 2015, CJ wrote her a note expressing his gratitude for the interest in him and her faith in his ability to represent her U.S. Presidential campaign. He composed it on his laptop, reviewed and revised it several times, and had his dads read it over asking for their input. Once satisfied, he rewrote it by hand on good station

At fifteen CJ Abelló is exiled from his home in Miami because of his sexual orientation and sent to live in Washington, D.C. with his gay father and his father’s wealthy partner. Over the next few years, CJ flourishes in his new home thanks to the love and guidance provided by the two men and their group of friends. He is nearing graduation from School Without Walls High School, ready to begin his freshman year at Georgetown University, and volunteering in the 2016 presidential campaign. CJ

At fifteen CJ Abelló is exiled from his home in Miami because of his sexual orientation and sent to live in Washington, D.C. with his gay father and his father’s wealthy partner. Over the next few years, CJ flourishes in his new home thanks to the love and guidance provided by the two men and their group of friends. He is nearing graduation from School Without Walls High School, ready to begin his freshman year at Georgetown University, and volunteering in the 2016 presidential campaign.

Bravo! So glad this feature is back. Thanks, Renee and thank you Hudson and Tim.

@BHopper2 Glad to see I'm not the only early morning person. Send me a PM and let's see if we can work together.

For once I'll say I'm glad the chapter wasn't longer. Damn, but that was a lot of information to absorb, it borders on a dump but I liked it. Liked it enough I'll be following the story. Good bones all around with some easily fixed errors. I think you'd benefit from a beta reader at a minimum. Maybe someone with experience as an author who's worked with good editors. Someone willing to share what they've learned in the process. I know someone like that. ME! ---Thank you, @Renee Stevens for saving this comment when you had to repost the chapter. ---

@William King Please do not allow the avalanche of opposing views deter you from stating your opinion in the future. It's refreshing to have someone speak out when they feel strongly about something. I happen to agree with you. If one type of reaction is called comments and another one reviews, to me they're so labeled because they're meant to be different. There are many fragile egos unable to handle real reviews where weaknesses are pointed out and I'm glad you're not amongst them. You encouraged me to be honest in my reviewing of your work and I've tried to do so. I don't write many because authors (and some 'fans) have jumped all over me for being honest and critical in the past. I do appreciate all feedback, but often wish more readers would let me know how my writing skills help or hinder their enjoyment of something I post. Or if something in the story doesn't make sense. I spend countless hours trying to present a quality product and so does my support team, but I'm not perfect and never will be, even though I continue to strive to reach that elusive goal. Let's see how many people get ticked off at me over this!

@Gary2881 I'll skip the gun issue since CJ has done nothing illegal and as you can see from other comments on this story or other chapters it's polarizing enough. "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." - Desmond Tutu "To sin by silence, when we should protest, makes cowards out of men." - Ella Wheeler (Often erroneously attributed to Abraham Lincoln) "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke The above quotes distill CJ's values. I think his actions perfectly reflect his beliefs and are entirely in character for him. He'll never stand on the sidelines when he sees something he thinks is unjust. This week, the white supremacist who organized the Charlottesville protest spoke at the University of Florida. My nieces are students there and were part of the multitude of people who protested his presence and views. I couldn't be prouder of them.

@Dmrman I think readers have figured out I don't always follow the obvious path; what comes next surprised quite a few. Owen will be a recurring character so we'll see him again. Whether he and CJ end up being friends or more is very much up in the air right now. Even if some people can't relate to the idea of a little vacation sex being nothing more than that.

Thank you! This story and the more recent Hunting Season feature characters from my ongoing series in stand-alone tales. They fit into the continuity but can be read on their own. This was a result of my frustration with events mentioned here and other similar ones. Sometimes, writing a fictional account allows me to give voice to my thoughts while trying to be objective and give opposing views an airing at the same time. I can create entirely fictional events but using real life as the basis feels more honest to me. Looking forward to hearing from you again.

@Dmrman For better or worse, the CJ series builds upon what's happened in the past making it difficult to read the books out of order. The dads reactions and actions regarding CJ follow a pattern which at times can make people reach a conclusion and then change their minds a few chapters later. There are hints and Easter eggs scattered throughout which may cause the reader to realize why something's happening. I was reading over beta comments yesterday and one of them was about a little throw away line in a chapter which a dozen installments later provided the basis for something happening. Owen coming into the picture created a little stir. Some readers wanted a quick relationship while others didn't. I'm not telling what happens LOL

@Dmrman Better than your life? I wish mine was half as good. CJ does lead a charmed excistance.

I guess the damn pictures still there then lol. @Myr or a mod may be able to help.

I just deleted an image from an old album. Click on the image, find the Manage Image button below it, click on it and the option to delete appears.